Gfell

Nestled in the alpine landscape of Völs am Schlern, South Tyrol’s Dolomites region, the Gfell hotel—completed in 2020 by Studionoa*—redefines sustainable hospitality through minimal intervention and deep contextual integration. Designed by Arch. Lukas Rungger, Stefan Rier, and Andreas Profanter, this 3-star alpine retreat repurposes an existing mountain inn and a historic barn, blending contemporary comfort with the raw beauty of the Schlern and Rosengarten ranges. The project prioritizes low-impact architecture, embedding itself into the hillside while preserving the site’s untouched vistas—a rare achievement in South Tyrol’s growing tourism sector.

The hotel’s underground expansion follows the natural slope, housing 17 guest rooms and a wellness area with minimal visual disruption. Guests access these spaces via a restored barn, now serving as the reception, lounge, and breakfast hub. Inside, the barn’s exposed timber beams—partially restored in traditional style—frame expansive windows that flood the space with light while shielding against summer sun. A central fireplace anchors the communal area, flanked by movable wooden panels that adapt to seasonal needs. The interiors emphasize natural materials: raw oak flooring, linen textiles, and handcrafted furniture, all designed to evoke the warmth of a South Tyrol farmhouse while ensuring durability.

Sustainability drives every layer of the design. The semi-underground structure reduces energy demand, while a pellet boiler powers CO₂-neutral heating and hot water. Guest rooms feature full-width panoramic windows (up to 4.8 meters wide) offering uninterrupted views of pine forests and meadows, with private terraces extending the living space outdoors. The wellness area, carved into the hillside, includes a bio-sauna and wooden rest pods, all bathed in daylight from floor-to-ceiling glazing. Even the restaurant’s connection to the new wing is seamless, via an elevator that preserves the original building’s integrity.

Gfell proves that alpine hospitality can thrive without sacrificing ecological or cultural authenticity. By reusing existing structures and harmonizing with the landscape, Studionoa* has created a timber-clad retreat where guests experience the Dolomites not as spectators, but as part of the terrain. The project’s restraint—both in form and material—makes it a model for sustainable mountain architecture in Italy’s most scenic regions.